This breed of dragon was thought to exist only in legend. Although their name varies between cultures, they are often referred to as “Guardians of Nature.” They are able to channel the forces of fire, ice and lightning, which allows them to wield tremendous power. Seen very rarely, it is thought that they only become active when something is threatening the territory they have chosen to guard. In order to protect their chosen home, these dragons are incredibly adaptable; they have been seen everywhere from remote mountain ranges, to ancient forests, to the darkest depths of the ocean.

Dragons are highly-intelligent reptilian creatures that—from a human perspective, at least—appear to live forever. Many different varieties of dragon exist, each with their own unique qualities, habitats, and behavior. Adolescence in dragons is usually marked by the growth of a hatchling’s wings, although not all breeds of dragons grow wings and some breeds have other traits that indicate the beginning of maturation. In Galsreim, dragons and humans coexist peacefully.

When the first dragons of the clan settled into the shallow mountainside caves that would eventually become a vast network home to hundreds, they assumed that the territory was unclaimed. It was a beautiful spot; a tall, proud mountain overlooking an ancient pine forest, with crystal-clear lakes and ocean waves roaring in the distance.

It wasn't until many years later, when those waves roared impossibly high, that they realized they were wrong.

The cause was unknown—some errant spell, a distant quake, a band of tsunami wyverns. The effect was of more immediate concern; an unnatural tsunami that threatened to crush the forests and wash out the caves. It was then that the guardian awakened.

Now revered by even the most powerful of dragons, Maelstra may not be a member of the clan, but she's welcomed among them as a matriarch on the rare occasions she passes through. She doesn't seem to mind so many dragons living on her land—though the gifts of meat and gems probably don't hurt.